Slains Castle

Slains Castle is no ordinary ruin. Its roofless shell, towering over the crashing waves of the North Sea, has inspired Gothic tales and spine-chilling rumours. Most famously, it helped spark Bram Stoker’s imagination when writing Dracula. But beyond the legend, Slains offers raw coastal beauty, sweeping views, and an unforgettable walk through Aberdeenshire’s wilder side. Whether you’re here for the history, the scenery, or the atmosphere, this guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect visit.

Slains Castle is a rare mix of eerie charm and natural drama. Set on the edge of a sheer cliff, the ruin delivers some of the most cinematic views in the northeast. Its exposed stonework, wind-battered walls, and hollow corridors are a photographer’s dream, especially at golden hour or under moody skies.

But it’s not just about the visuals. The castle is deeply tied to Scotland’s Gothic heritage. Bram Stoker visited in the 1890s and was struck by its bleak grandeur. The result? Dracula. If you’re into literary history or just love a good ghost story, this place sets the mood.

It’s also free to access, with no visitor centre queues or tour groups. Just open space, fresh sea air, and the thrill of discovery.

Where Is Slains Castle?

Slains Castle sits just north of Cruden Bay, a sleepy village on the Aberdeenshire coast. If you're imagining remote and windswept, you're on the right track. It's about 25 miles north of Aberdeen - far enough to feel wild, close enough for a day trip.

Don’t expect signposts shouting “Haunted Dracula Castle This Way!” - Slains keeps a low profile. But that’s part of the charm. You’ll find it perched dramatically above the North Sea, where the cliffs look like they’ve been carved by something with a grudge.

To be specific, pop AB42 0NE into your sat nav. That'll get you to the nearest road access point. From there, it’s a short walk to the ruin, and the view hits you fast. One minute it's grassy fields, the next it's a crumbling castle hanging over a cliff edge.

History of Slains Castle

Slains Castle has had more facelifts than a Hollywood B-lister. The original version was built in the 13th century, but it was miles away and demolished by James VI in a royal huff. The ruin we see today started life in the 16th century, built by the powerful Earls of Erroll, who were never ones to do things by halves.

Over the centuries, the castle morphed from a fortified tower into a sprawling mansion. It gained turrets, battlements, and enough gloomy corridors to make any Victorian novelist weep with joy. By the 19th century, it was less fortress, more Gothic fantasy, exactly the kind of place a certain Irish writer might fall in love with.

Enter Bram Stoker, who visited in 1895. It’s said that Slains helped shape Castle Dracula itself, with its cliffside setting and eerie silhouette. Whether that’s true or just good PR, the link has stuck - and once you’ve seen Slains in the mist, you’ll understand why.

By the 1920s, the castle had been abandoned. The roof was removed (to avoid tax, naturally), and the place was left to the seagulls. What’s left is raw, exposed, and utterly atmospheric.

Getting There: Travel & Parking Tips

By car is your best bet. From Aberdeen, it’s around a 45-minute drive north on the A90. At Cruden Bay, follow signs towards Slains Castle - or just let your sat nav do the thinking (postcode AB42 0NE works well). You’ll end up on a narrow rural road that finishes at a small, informal parking area. Think layby with ambition.

There are no official facilities, no ticket office, and certainly no café. Just a few spaces beside the field path that leads to the castle. It’s free, but it’s first-come, first-served, and it can get muddy fast. Sensible footwear isn’t just a recommendation; it’s survival.

If you're relying on public transport, be warned: it’s doable but faffy. Take a bus from Aberdeen to Cruden Bay (Stagecoach services run fairly regularly), then walk about 1.5 miles to the castle. The walk’s pleasant enough but unsheltered - and if the weather turns, you’ll feel every drop.

Cycling is an option too, if you're the adventurous type with thighs of steel. The coastal route is scenic and hilly in equal measure.

What to Expect on Arrival

Don’t expect an official entrance or a plaque with opening hours. There’s no gate, no guard, no gift shop selling novelty garlic. Just a rough path, a field, and the sudden sight of stone walls rising above the cliffs like a warning.

The castle is completely unmaintained, which is part of the appeal. You can wander freely through roofless rooms, peer out over windowless frames, and follow corridors that lead nowhere in particular. It feels lawless - in the best possible way.

Safety first, though. There are no barriers. Some walls are unstable. The cliffs are sheer and unforgiving. Keep dogs on leads, kids within arm’s reach, and your sense of balance!

You’ll likely meet a few other explorers, photographers, or local dog walkers, but it’s rarely crowded. On misty days it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. On sunny days, it feels like a film set. Either way, it’s got presence.

Walks & Viewpoints Around the Castle

The castle is the star, but the surrounding clifftop paths are equally worth your time. You’ll find a network of trails winding north and south, offering jaw-dropping views of the rugged coastline, crashing waves, and seabirds on patrol.

Northward, follow the clifftop track for a dramatic walk towards the Bullers of Buchan - a collapsed sea cave forming a massive blowhole. It’s about 2.5 miles one way, mostly flat but exposed. In high winds, it’s invigorating. In very high winds, it’s mildly terrifying. Worth it either way.

Southward, a gentler trail loops back towards Cruden Bay, with occasional side tracks that bring you right up to the edge - perfect for photos, less perfect for those with vertigo. Look back at the castle from a distance and it transforms into a true Gothic silhouette.

The sunrise and sunset views here are wild. If you can time your visit around golden hour, do. The castle glows, the sea turns silver, and your camera will struggle to keep up.

Photography Tips

Slains Castle is photogenic in a ruined, ghostly kind of way. With no roof and wide open rooms, you get dramatic light and shadows all day long. But to really capture its atmosphere, timing and angle are everything.

Best time to shoot?
Early morning for mist and mood. Late afternoon for golden light on stone. Overcast works too — this place thrives under grey skies.

Bring a wide-angle lens if you’ve got one. The interior is tight in places, and you’ll want to fit in as much crumbling grandeur as possible. A drone can deliver awesome shots from above, but fly responsibly - it’s a popular spot for walkers and seabirds.

Top angles:

• From the sea-facing side for the full clifftop drama

• Inside the courtyard, looking out through arched doorways

• Through shattered windows, framing the landscape beyond

• The approach from the field path - classic silhouette against the sky

And yes, Slains looks brilliant in black and white. Adds to the Gothic tragedy of it all.

What to Bring

Slains Castle might be free to visit, but it doesn’t come with luxuries. Bring what you need, or be prepared to wish you had.

Sturdy footwear – The ground is uneven, often muddy, and occasionally ankle-threatening. Trainers might cope in dry weather, but boots are safer.

Layers and a waterproof – Even in summer, the wind bites. The weather can switch from sunny to sideways rain in ten minutes. Classic Scotland.

Camera or phone with good battery – You’ll want to take more photos than you think. And there’s no signal for most networks, so don’t rely on maps loading mid-walk.

Water and snacks – No facilities. No ice cream vans. Just you, the ruin, and maybe a raven. Stock up before you head out.

A torch (optional) – If you’re exploring the interior late in the day, light gets scarce fast. Adds a bit of atmosphere too.

Dog lead – If you’ve brought a four-legged explorer, the cliffs and livestock nearby make leads essential.

Nearby Attractions

Cruden Bay Beach

Just down the hill from the castle, this wide, windswept beach is a stunner. Golden sand, rolling dunes, and hardly ever busy. Ideal for a post-castle stroll or a bracing paddle (if you're feeling bold).

Bullers of Buchan

Roughly 10 minutes north by car (or a longer coastal walk), this natural sea cave collapse is pure drama. Waves crash through a gaping hole in the cliffs, and puffins nest nearby in spring. Keep your footing - there are no fences.

Peterhead Prison Museum

Fancy something even grimmer than a ruined castle? This former high-security prison offers sobering insight into Scotland’s criminal history. Surprisingly well done, and weirdly fascinating.

Boddam and Buchanness Lighthouse

Follow the coast a little further south and you’ll hit Boddam, home to Scotland’s most easterly point and a very photogenic lighthouse. Add it to your coastal crawl.